Monday, September 29, 2025

Pass the Torch

 The term ‘pass the torch’ has its roots in ancient Greek traditions, where torch relay races were an important part of religious ceremonies and Olympic Games. The act of passing a lit torch represented the transfer of knowledge, civilization, and responsibility. 

 Passing the torch is a symbolic expression that means transferring responsibility, authority, or leadership from one person to another. It signifies handing over a job, duty, or responsibility to a successor, often in a leadership or professional context. 

 

The idiom is commonly used in succession planning, mentorship, and knowledge transfer. The phrase can be used in various settings, such as business, sports, or politics, to describe the transfer of leadership or responsibility.

 

The true value of leadership is in handing over the reins, the smooth transfer of control and responsibility. Passing on the mantle requires us to give up authority and gracefully handing over the role to the next in line to now hold the light. 

 

Pass the torch, yield your role’s might

Let the successor now carry the light! 

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis


 

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Monday, September 22, 2025

Right Focus

A story by Idries Shah tells us about Mulla Nasrudin was searching for something under a streetlamp. A passer-by asked, ‘What are you doing?’ Nasrudin replied, “I've lost my keys.’ The passer-by joined the search.

 After a while, he asked, ‘Where exactly did you lose them?’ Nasrudin said, ‘ in my house.’ The other person was puzzled and asked, ‘Then why are we searching for them here?’ Nasrudin replied, ‘Because the light is better here.’

 

This story teaches us about the importance of focusing on the right place or approach when searching for solutions. Often, we might be looking for answers in the wrong places or using the wrong methods. We need to think clearly and approach problems with a logical and focused mindset. 

 

Search in right place with clear prong

Right focus will bring solutions along! 

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

 

#mondaymuse22ndYear #pravinsabnis #since2004 #motivation #blogging #MondayMuse

 

Monday, September 15, 2025

Engineer's Brain

Engineer Pedro had a problem with his washing machine with water leaking on the floor. His assessment was that the swirl tub had cracked and he would have to buy a new machine.. Anyway he called the service centre.

The mechanic seemed tired with his job. In an irritated voice, he asked: ‘Was the machine always placed such in this area?’ Pedro was surprised by the silly question but he thought over it and replied that he had changed the orientation but not the location of the machine.

 

The mechanic immediately identified the problem. The floor tiles had a slight slope that made a few drops of water slip outside the rim if the tub. Over a period of time, water accumulated on the floor would slip out. Pedro asked, ‘Don’t you want to check the tub for any cracks?’

 

The mechanic said that the tub was of tough seamless material and could not crack. Once the machine was shifted to its original orientation, the problem was solved. Grateful that he did not have to buy a new machine, Pedro thanked him and said, ‘I am an engineer but you have an engineer’s brain.’

 

The engineering brain is a blend of logic, creative open mindedness and problem-solving skills. Engineers have a distinct cognitive profile that enables them to design, build and innovate complex systems, structures and technologies. However it is important to ensure that every detail is considered and accounted for.


The Engineer’s brain solves the problem and creates solution
With attention to detail, logic and open minded innovation!

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Monday, September 8, 2025

Thousand Times

The storylines of martial arts films are similar. The protagonist is a simple, nice guy. And the antagonist is an expert in martial arts. In the fight between the good and the bad, the bad one wins as he is stronger and skilled. The hero goes to a master to learn self-defence and attack.

He is exasperated when the master teaches him only a single move and insists that he practise it again and again. The hero pleads with his master, ‘Please teach me more moves’. The wise master replies, ‘it is not the thousand moves that you know that will help you… it is the one move you have practised a thousand times!’

Singers and musicians involve in dedicated riyaz! Batsmen practise the same stroke that they want to become better at. Bowlers strive to bowl the yorker again and again, in the nets. Novice artists keep drawing the same strokes till they become proficient. Actors keep repeating lines till they are flawless.

While it is good to know many moves, the ones that matter will be ones you have done many times! Interestingly, in every sphere, the fundamental moves are few and the rest are variations. So it makes sense to work a thousand times on the fundamentals.

Never mind thousand moves that you may know
Those done a thousand times are ones to show!

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Monday, September 1, 2025

Eat!

‘Do not force feed, let the person freely eat’ - is an important lesson in the area of teaching. 

Traditional techniques choose the revealing theory followed by justifications to underline the importance and relevance of the revealed information. However the most effective method that meshes better with how the brain works and assimilates information, is to introduce it through the EAT theory.

The acronym EAT refers to Experience, Awareness and Theory. The approach starts with the learner going through an actual experience or sharing learnings from an earlier experience.

The second step includes debriefing and discussion to bring about an Awareness of what they experienced. Lastly to tie up loose ends, the trainer ensures the Theory is confirmed.

The reverse process focuses only on explaining the theory. Information is passed on but the probability of real transfer of knowledge is at a huge disadvantage.

Experiential learning draws its vision from the maxim that ‘lessons are not meant to be taught… they are meant to be learnt.’ It is about helping learners to embark on a dynamic journey of observation, thinking and interaction. We facilitate learning when we allow learners to EAT with an open mind!

Why fetter learners’ feet

Let them freely EAT!

~ Pravin K Sabnis


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Last Monday muse 25/8

 Here is the Monday Muse of 25 August

SOLO TRIP

Travelling leads to new insights of places, communities and their culture. While many prefer to travel with organised group tours, the truly liberating experience is on a solo trip.

Traveling solo offers opportunity for self-discovery, growth and exploration. It allows individuals to break free from constraints of routine, challenge themselves and develop a deeper understanding of the world and themselves

Solo trip gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary, make spontaneous decisions and explore at your own pace. Without the influence of others, you are forced to rely on yourself, leading to a greater understanding of your strengths and weaknesses.

Solo trip provides opportunities to meet fellow travelers and locals, potentially leading to lasting connections and friendships. Traveling alone pushes you to navigate unfamiliar environments, try new foods and engage in activities you might not have attempted otherwise.

Travelling in a group may bring along comfort and convenience, but it also makes for restrictive framework. When we are free to explore, it ensures the benefits of choice and expecting the unexpected. We end up discovering our true self.


Solo trip brings along lots of freedoms truly fine

Besides places and people, discover self sublime

~ Pravin K Sabnis


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Monday, August 18, 2025

Inspiration

Inspiration is a powerful force that can transform lives. It's the spark that ignites passion, fuels motivation and propels individuals to pursue dreams. It has the ability to touch our hearts and minds, motivating us to strive for excellence and make a positive impact in the world.


Inspiration can have a profound impact on individuals and society as a whole. It can fuel creativity, encouraging individuals to think outside the box and explore new ideas.


Inspiration can motivate individuals to take action, pursue passions and work towards their goals. It boosts confidence, helping individuals to believe in themselves and their abilities. It can create a sense of connection and community, bringing people together around a shared purpose or passion.


Inspiration can come from a variety of sources. Role models inspire us with their achievements and vision. The beauty and wonder of nature can inspire us to appreciate the world around us and strive for sustainability.


When we're inspired, we're more likely to inspire others. This creates a ripple effect, where inspiration spreads and has a positive impact on those around us. By sharing our passions, ideas, and experiences, we can inspire others to pursue their own dreams and make a difference.


Inspiration turns dark to light

Ideas & action will surely delight


~ Pravin K Sabnis